Chapter 175: Ecstasy
Chapter 175: Ecstasy
Come to think of it, Ko Yeonju was a truly versatile User. I wasn’t just talking about her abilities as a User, either. Despite being the last to join, she had smoothly integrated herself into our group and was steadily carving out a place for herself. Even though she was one of the Ten Strong, she never showed the kind of arrogance that would make her allies frown, nor did she put on any airs. She knew how to assert her authority when necessary but also knew when to stop.
Just yesterday, she had effortlessly silenced two Users who were acting high and mighty about their status as a Representative Clan by subtly revealing that she was one of the Ten Strong. Seeing her step up exactly when needed made even me feel quite fond of her.
I gently closed the door without a sound and headed down the stairs, carrying the documents I’d prepared and a teacup. When I reached the first-floor lobby, I saw that the tables had already been returned to their original positions. It occurred to me that her welcome party yesterday had ended anticlimactically, and I felt a little sorry about that. I took a sip of the tea, which was still steaming, and opened the inn’s entrance. My plan was to have a smoke.
“……”
But the moment I stepped outside, I froze. Beyond the inn’s door was another small set of stairs leading to the ground, and huddled on those stairs was a long-haired User with narrow shoulders. From the light ash-colored hair, I knew who it was without even needing to see her face. So, rather than calling out from behind, I quietly sat down beside her and spoke.
“Good morning. You’re up early.”
Since I had just been thinking about her, the kind words came out naturally. Ko Yeonju glanced at me with listless eyes, then buried her face again as she returned my greeting.
“Good morning. But it’s not like I woke up early because I wanted to.”
“Hm. Is something wrong?”
“I was waiting. I knew there was a high probability you’d come out here for a smoke after waking up. Ah, why aren’t you giving me one? Don’t be so cheap.”
As she finished speaking, she snatched the cigarette I had just put to my lips. It wasn’t the first or second time this had happened, so I just let it go and took out another one.
Flick. Flick.
We lit our cigarettes at the same time and exhaled smoke in unison. As the smoke dissolved into the air, I spoke to her again.
“Come to think of it, the welcome party fizzled out yesterday. Did those two get back okay?”
“Yes. They begged me to let them meet you again and even clung to me, but I just kicked them out. They seemed pretty upset. They kept wiping away tears as they left.”
“I see. You went through a lot.”
“Don’t mention it.”
An awkward silence fell between us again. It was the first time I’d ever felt awkward talking with her when it was just the two of us. It probably meant she had some sort of complaint about me. No, not a complaint… more like a pout? The thought of the Shadow Queen pouting at me felt strangely refreshing. It didn’t seem like an unpleasant pout, either.
“Why are you smiling?”
She must have seen me snickering, because she spoke up with a sullen look on her face. When I replied, “Oh, it’s nothing,” Ko Yeonju shot me a displeased glare before finally revealing what was on her mind.
“I went to all the trouble of feeding you to build up your strength.”
“Pffft.”
“How could you use it on something so pointless? Ah, seriously, stop laughing. Hoho.”
She couldn’t help but burst into laughter herself, finding her own words funny. We looked at each other and laughed for a while before finally dropping our cigarettes to the ground.
“Still, how could you just barge in like that? I locked the door and even cast a Silence spell.”
“Hmph. Such things are powerless before the Shadow Queen.”
“That’s not the point. Isn’t it just common sense to pretend you didn’t see anything in a situation like that?”
“Ha. And who was it that slyly snatched away all the vigor I’d helped you save up? I was too frustrated to just let it go. Oof, but that female User’s moans were something else, weren’t they? She’s not as innocent as she looks. Aah~ Soohyun-ssi~ Aah~.”
Watching Ko Yeonju imitate Hayeon’s moans from last night, I fell into thought for a moment. I had assumed she’d seen us when she opened the door this morning to bring the tea, but from the way she was talking, it seemed she’d known even before that.
I cleared my throat, cutting off her moaning impression. She had been mimicking Hayeon’s sounds until I stopped her, and now she giggled and poked me in the side.
“Don’t take it too hard. The welcome party was one thing, but I prepared good liquor and even wore a sexy outfit while I waited, only to spend the night all alone listening to moans. So please, forgive me for teasing you this much.”
“I’ll forgive you. Still, I don’t feel great knowing you saw that.”
“Oh, why? I’ve never seen such beautiful sex before.”
“Cough! Wh-what did you say?”
This time, it wasn’t a fake cough; I actually choked. I turned my head, thinking she was making another joke, but was met with the unexpectedly serious face of Ko Yeonju. Her expression held a hint of envy, and overall, she seemed incredibly lonely. Feeling awkward for no reason, I decided it was time to change the subject.
“Hm. It feels strange to hear you say that. Anyway, I understand. By the way, I’d like to hear about it now.”
“Hm? Hear about what? My three sizes? 3…”
“I’m curious why those two came to Mule. And while we’re at it, I’m curious how other things are progressing.”
Ko Yeonju tilted her head at my words and pouted her lips. To my eyes, however, she just looked like she was being coy.
“Mmm~. I can’t seem to remember.”
“Hey now.”
“What do you mean, ‘hey now’? I can’t remember well in places like this. But late at night, in my room… I think I might remember then.”
Seeing her maintain the same attitude, I sighed deeply and got up from my seat. Staying here any longer would just get me caught up in her pace, so I figured it was better to leave. Besides, after the way those two left yesterday, they weren’t likely to stay quiet. That ‘Madwoman’ Ban Dahee might even launch an attack.
Ko Yeonju quickly grabbed my hand and continued in a pleading tone.
“Sniff. Husband, Please don’t go. This maiden was wrong.”
“I’m going to work. Let go.”
“Oh, I see. In that case, husband, please earn lots of money. I’ll be waiting with a delicious meal ready for you.”
“…I’ll leave the teacup.”
Noticing the documents in my hand, Ko Yeonju quickly recovered her expression and changed her tune. What an inscrutable woman, I thought. Why was she being so clingy today? Suddenly, the image of her lonely face from a moment ago flashed through my mind.
I felt a mix of emotions, but I left the teacup I’d set down and turned to leave as she stood up to see me off. It seemed I really would have to visit her room tonight. Not because I was expecting anything else, of course. It was purely for the purpose of gathering information. Really.
*
I marched straight into the temple and turned the place upside down first thing in the morning. Of course, I didn’t cause a violent scene. I simply said I needed to see Seraph and briefly explained what happened yesterday, saying I needed advice. The priest broke out in a cold sweat and begged for my forgiveness.
In truth, while the priest was partially at fault, I knew they couldn’t have helped it, so I didn’t push them too hard. However, getting a temporary certificate issued through what was essentially a threat was a clear achievement.
A temporary certificate was exactly what it sounded like. It was a certificate issued in advance when forming an investigation team was difficult due to distance or difficulty before one’s achievements could be verified. Naturally, it was extremely hard to obtain unless you were a clan with a certain level of renown.
However, thanks to Vivian’s inner core and Belphegor’s heart, which I had shown them before, and more importantly, their own clear mistake this time, I was able to get it issued quickly. Of course, if our expedition was later found to be a lie, everything would be nullified and we’d receive a penalty, but that would never happen, so it was irrelevant to us.
I then went straight to the clan registration office and submitted the documents I had prepared along with the temporary certificate. I also put in a top-priority request for a status change for the relevant members. This was a preemptive measure to prevent the Beech Tree Clan from pulling any pathetic tricks by claiming to be a Representative Clan. Changing their status to Free Mercenary would prevent that. The kids and I were already unaffiliated, and Vivian’s affiliation was with an ancient, ruined nation, so she was unaffected. But Ko Yeonju, Jung Hayeon, and Shin Sangyong definitely needed to change theirs.
Changing one’s status also had rather strict limitations, but since the reason was to become a member of a newly founded free Mercenary Clan, it wouldn’t be a major issue. I had done everything I could for them. All that was left was for each of them to visit the office and apply for the change individually. Once all their applications were confirmed and the paperwork passed review, I would be notified. Then, there would be an interview led by a Resident official, and only after passing that would the final clan registration be approved.
The system could be seen as simple or complex, but the bottom line was that you couldn’t create a clan without proving your worth.
Having laid this preemptive smokescreen, I felt a bit more at ease and was able to walk back to the inn at a leisurely pace. The others were all awake and had already eaten breakfast, so I had to eat a late breakfast-slash-lunch by myself. After my lonely meal, I explained the situation to the Users who needed to change their status and gave simple instructions to the rest of the members. (Though the instructions were basically just to train or do whatever they wanted.)
Finally, I called Vivian to my room for when she had time, then ended the meeting and immediately went back up to my room to start organizing my equipment.
I had over 80,000 gold coins and more than a thousand gems. But just because I had a lot didn’t mean I wanted to waste it. I was rummaging through the equipment I’d stripped from the Vagabonds, planning to sell it, when I noticed some items I hadn’t checked yet. Among them, the one that particularly caught my interest was Sun and Moon Divine Sword. I had high hopes that it could replace my Formless Sword, which was often a burden to draw.
『Sun and Moon Divine Sword』
Description: A sword that has absorbed the power of the sun and moon over many long years. When the sun is out, it absorbs sunlight, causing the blade to generate intense heat and take on flame-elemental properties. When the moon is out, it absorbs moonlight, causing the blade to be imbued with a cold chill, increasing its cutting power. Due to the process of its creation, it also contains a prayer to shatter evil and corrupt energy. It can exert above-average power against demonic energy, but its effect is minor compared to an Authority.
“Nice.”
I uttered a single, concise word and raised Sun and Moon Divine Sword toward the ceiling. I lifted my gaze and examined it slowly. As I drew the sword from its shimmering, jet-black scabbard, the smooth blade reflected a piercingly sharp light as it emerged with a soft metallic rasp. My first impression was that it was remarkably clean.
The double-edged blade was engraved with elegant patterns on both sides, showcasing a beauty like that of a high-end work of art. I gave it a test swing, and it cut through the air with a clean sound, feeling perfectly snug in my hand. Thinking it was more than worthy of carrying, I let out a satisfied laugh and carefully sheathed it again. It was then.
“Kim Soohyun! I’m coming in!”
A cheerful voice called to me from outside. It was probably Vivian, who I had summoned during brunch, having finished her business. “Come in,” I replied, and the door burst open to reveal a vibrant young woman.
As expected, the Resident who opened the door was Vivian. She seemed to have rushed over, as her cheeks were flushed red and she was breathing lightly.